MSD - MSD for mothers

A woman’s body goes through numerous changes during pregnancy. These changes are normal but may prove to be a concern if there are any complications.

It is important for women to adopt a healthy lifestyle during this time. MSD, an OPPI member company, has come up with a 10-year commitment plan called ‘MSD for Mothers’ to address the issue of maternal mortality due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth. In India, MSD for Mothers (Phase I – for a period from March 2013 to May 2016) aims to make innovative partnerships with leading non-governmental organisations. As part of this Project, MSD has tied up with multiple partners. These partnerships explore the potential of local private providers and health businesses to strengthen maternal healthcare in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Rajasthan.

The activities that form a part of the programme include generating demand for maternal healthcare, training private providers on safe birthing practices and use of technology, introducing low-cost, easy-to-use technologies to improve existing care.

Overall, the partnerships are set out to improve the affordability, accessibility and quality of private maternal health services and have reached nearly 500,000 pregnant women over three years (2013- 2016).